Taiwan says U.S. still backs its defence needs despite stalled $14 billion arms deal

Taiwan's deputy foreign minister, Chen Ming-chi, said the United States continues to grasp the island's defence requirements, even as a roughly $14 billion arms package stays on hold. He noted that Washington's stance has not shifted after President Donald Trump's recent summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and that Taipei has received ongoing reassurances from U.S. officials. The pending sale follows a record $11 billion weapons deal approved in December, but Trump described the newer package as a negotiating chip and placed it in abeyance after his May visit to Beijing.

Chen warned that China is still investing heavily in its military despite economic challenges, creating a severe situation in the Taiwan Strait. U.S. ambassador to China, David Perdue, also indicated that there has been no change in the overall Taiwan policy, including arms sales. The episode underscores the delicate balance Washington seeks between supporting Taiwan's defence and managing broader U.S.-China relations.